Skip to main content

Free Shipping, 30-day trial and a low price guarantee on every robot. Talk to a Pool Pro

Free Shipping and a low price guarantee on every pump. Need help sizing a pump?

Hourly water readings and personalized guidance in the ICO app, with no subscription required. Ask a Pool Pro

UV systems are sized to your pump's flow rate. Talk to a Pool Pro before you order.

Can't find a part? We can usually source any pool or spa product.

Free tools for choosing and running pool equipment. See all tools or ask a Pool Pro.

Reviews are written by our in-house pool professionals from hands-on testing. How we test

Robotic pool cleaner comparison

Dolphin Explorer E25 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC

A side-by-side comparison of pool fit, cleaning coverage, filtration, controls and the better Pool Express option.

Dolphin Explorer E25 Dolphin Nautilus CC
Better alternative

A stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

A better alternative

What we recommend instead

Buying guidance

Dolphin Explorer E25 or Dolphin Nautilus CC: our take

Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC are compared on pool fit, cleaning reach, debris handling, controls and ownership details. The recommendation is based on the job the robot must do—not a simple feature count.

Pool fit and cleaning reach

Dolphin Explorer E25 is intended for inground pools, while Dolphin Nautilus CC is intended for inground and above-ground pools. Dolphin Explorer E25 is rated for pools up to 50 ft; Dolphin Nautilus CC is rated up to 33 ft. Each cleans floor and walls, so coverage alone does not separate them. Dolphin Nautilus CC's documented cleaning system includes 1 active brush.

Filtration and debris

Dolphin Nautilus CC has documented included filtration—Basket—while the other model's included media is not fully published. Dolphin Nautilus CC has the better documented path for bulky leaves and larger debris.

Controls and day-to-day ownership

Dolphin Explorer E25 provides smartphone control; Dolphin Nautilus CC provides one-touch starts and power-supply controls.

Price, warranty and the decision

Dolphin Explorer E25 is listed at $899 and Dolphin Nautilus CC at $699; Dolphin Nautilus CC is $200 less. Each lists a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC each have a specific fit, but neither is the Pool Express pick for this job. Our better alternative is Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Feature check: what each robot actually has

A green check means the feature is documented as included. A red X means it is documented as absent. A dash means the source does not make the feature clear.

Feature Dolphin Explorer E25 Dolphin Nautilus CC
Cleans the pool floor Yes Yes
Climbs and cleans walls Yes Yes
Scrubs the waterline No No
Fine-debris filter included No No
Large-debris filter No YesEdge
Automatic scheduling Not listed No
Smartphone app YesEdge No
Anti-tangle swivel Not listed No
3-year warranty No No
No recharging between cycles Not listed Yes
Built-in UV-C water treatment No No

Unknown is not treated as “no.” Specifications come from the product pages, current catalog records and manufacturer material collected for this site.

Where Dolphin Explorer E25 stands out

Dolphin Explorer E25 is the better fit for pools up to 50 ft.

  • Adds smartphone control
  • Is rated for pools up to 50 ft

Where Dolphin Nautilus CC stands out

Dolphin Nautilus CC is the better fit for shoppers prioritizing the lower $699 starting price.

  • Includes a large-debris bin or bag for leaves
  • Is listed $200 lower

Dolphin Explorer E25 vs Dolphin Nautilus CC specifications

Use pool fit first. Price and app control do not make up for a robot that cannot cover the length or surfaces you need cleaned.

Specification Dolphin Explorer E25 Dolphin Nautilus CC
Best fit Inground pools up to 50 ft that need floor and wall cleaning. Inground and above-ground pools up to 33 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.
Starting price $899 $699
Pool type Inground Inground, Above-ground
Maximum pool length Up to 50 ft Up to 33 ft
Cleaning coverage Floor, Walls Floor, Walls
Power Not listed Corded
Filtration Not listed Basket
Scheduling Not listed One-touch start
App and remote App control Power-supply controls
Cable Not listed 50 ft
Robot weight Not listed Not listed
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Final call

Consider the stronger Pool Express option

Dolphin Explorer E25 and Dolphin Nautilus CC are compared feature by feature below. For a stronger Pool Express option, consider Dolphin Cayman. Inground and above-ground pools up to 40 ft that need floor and wall cleaning.

Buy Dolphin Cayman

Keep comparing without rebuilding the same specification table yourself.